Members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed across the country from Wednesday to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja, said Home Affairs adviser Lt Gen (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday.
“Besides, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will appoint 80,000 volunteers during the festival this year as it is important for all of us to remain vigilant,” he said while talking to reporters following a meeting of the Advisory Council on Law and Order at the Secretariat.
The adviser said that incidents of idol vandalism have significantly decreased this year. “Those involved in idol vandalism are being identified through CCTV footages.”
Asked about the recent statement of an organisaiton that 29 districts were identified as vulnerable during the upcoming Puja celebrations, the adviser said, “Which 29 districts are at risk? If you provide the list, we will take necessary action. No such information has been shared with us. Based on our own assessments, we identify risk-prone areas ahead of time and take preventive measures accordingly.”
The adviser said, Puja will be held peacefully across the country this year. There is no place that can be considered highly vulnerable.
When his attention was drawn to a statement by members of the Hindu community, which said about the idol vandalism, the adviser said, “You can see for yourself whether the number of vandalism incidents is high this year. I won’t say that no incidents have occurred at all, but in such cases, the community itself also shares responsibility. Where CCTV cameras were installed, the perpetrators have already been identified and apprehended. There is no significant issue at the local level. People from all communities are celebrating together peacefully.”
“I won’t deny that minor incidents have occurred in one or two places but legal action is being taken immediately in those cases,” he said.
Responding to a question about the upcoming election, the home adviser said, “We can assure you that the election will be peaceful and festive. Many people will express different opinions, but ultimately, all will come to a resolution.”
Referring to the smuggling, the adviser said that narcotics are entering the country through various routes and goods such as rice, fertiliser and medicines are also being smuggled out.
These smuggling are not limited to Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram routes but also continuing through river routes in Barishal and Barguna, he added.
A large quantity of drugs is being seized as Arakan Army survives based on drug trade, he said.